Somerset Feliz Ho Chi Minh City: Luxury Redefined in Vietnam's Heart
Somerset Feliz Ho Chi Minh City: More Than Just Luxury, It's a Vibe (Or Maybe Just a Really Nice Apartment)
Okay, let's be real. I've stayed in places that felt like sterile corporate boxes, and then I've stayed in places that felt… well, like a warm hug. Somerset Feliz in Ho Chi Minh City definitely leans towards the warm hug end of the spectrum. But before we get all gushy, let's break it down, shall we? Because frankly, reviewing a place like this is like trying to describe a sunset – you can list the colors, but you'll never quite capture the feeling.
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First Impressions & Accessibility: The Elevator Was My Friend (And the Ramp, Too!)
So, arriving at Somerset Feliz. First off, the location is pretty darn good. Not in the crazy, chaotic heart of District 1 (thank the gods!), but close enough to where you can hop in a Grab (that's Vietnamese Uber, for those of you playing along at home) and be anywhere in minutes. The lobby is slick – polished floors, calming neutral tones, and that vague scent of expensive perfume that always screams, "Welcome to money-land!"
Accessibility-wise? They’ve really thought about it. Ramps are plentiful, the elevators are smooth (and, thankfully, I didn’t smell burnt toast, which is always a win), and the entire ground floor is easily navigable. I even saw a few folks using wheelchairs, which is a huge plus. This isn't just a hotel pretending to be accessible; it genuinely seems to cater to guests with mobility needs. Bravo, Somerset! (I'm already feeling the love, folks.)
My Room: A Home Away From Home (With Ridiculously Soft Bedding)
I booked a one-bedroom apartment, and honestly? It was bigger than my first apartment. Like, way bigger. Imagine a fully equipped apartment, complete with a kitchen, living area, and a bedroom so spacious it could probably host a small dance party. The decor is modern, clean, and leans towards minimalist chic. Think lots of wood, neutral colors, and strategically placed pops of art. But the real star? The bed. Oh. My. God. It was like sinking into a cloud of angel feathers and unicorn dreams. I swear, I almost just lived there.
Other room perks? Free Wi-Fi (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), a mini-bar (that I raided… repeatedly), a super-efficient air conditioning unit (essential in Saigon!), and a balcony with a view. Now, the view wasn't exactly Eiffel Tower-esqe, but it was pleasant, and I spent many a morning sipping coffee and watching the Saigon sunrise (that's a euphemism for "lying in bed and trying to decide if I should get up just yet").
A slightly less-than-perfect moment? The cable TV selection was a bit… thin. But honestly, who needs TV when you're in Vietnam?! Just a minor quibble in what was otherwise a near-perfect home base. The in-room safe? Used it (duh), and it worked like a charm. The included bathrobes and slippers? Used them even more! I was basically a walking advertisement for the "staying-at-home-because-it's-amazing" lifestyle.
Eating & Drinking: From Buffet Bonanza to Poolside Bliss
The dining options at Somerset Feliz are pretty impressive. The main restaurant, serving both Asian and Western cuisine, offers a breakfast buffet that's a true feast for the senses. I’m talking everything from pho and fresh fruit to bacon and eggs. I'm a sucker for a good buffet, and this one did not disappoint. I might have overindulged a little bit. Okay, a lot. But hey, I was on vacation!
And the poolside bar? Absolute heaven. I spent a significant portion of my time there, sipping cocktails, nibbling on snacks, and trying to avoid the Vietnamese sun (which, as a pale-skinned individual, is a constant battle). The staff were friendly and attentive, and the vibe was relaxed and chill. Pro Tip: Happy hour is a must!
Beyond that, there’s a coffee shop (essential for my caffeine addiction) and room service that's available 24/7. I utilized this quite a bit after a particularly long day of exploring. Ordering deliciousness direct to your room at any time of the day? Pure luxury! I did find a few of the choices a little bit pricey, but convenient and tasty.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and… Body Scrubs?
Okay, this is where Somerset Feliz really shines. They have a full-service spa, complete with a sauna, steam room, and a range of treatments. I treated myself to a massage, and it was divine. I'd been lugging around my backpack for a week prior to visiting Somerset Feliz so the masseuse worked the knots out of my shoulders like she was Michelangelo sculpting David. I’m pretty sure I actually fell asleep (no shame!).
I was also tempted by the body scrub and body wrap options. The thought of being slathered in delicious-smelling goodness and wrapped up like a mummy was definitely appealing. But – and this is a real confession – I chickened out. Next time, though, next time! Because, seriously, after a day of exploring the heat and crazy busy atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, a little pampering is essential!
Fitness Frenzy (Or, the Time I Pretended to Work Out)
The fitness center is well-equipped, with treadmills, weights, and all the usual suspects. I, uh, visited it. Briefly. I did a couple of steps on the treadmill, then decided the pool was calling to me more. But hey, the option's there, and it looked like a decent gym from what I saw. Maybe if I'd stayed longer, I'd have been more motivated. Maybe.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (If You Dare to Leave)
Now, while the hotel is amazing, you should venture out. Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating city. From the bustling streets of District 1 to the historical landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, there’s something for everyone. Somerset Feliz is well-located to explore everything, with easy access to taxis and the (still a bit intimidating) motorbikes. The hotel offers airport transfer (smooth as silk), which is a lifesaver after a long flight.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Post-COVID)
This is important. Post-COVID, we're all a little more… aware of cleanliness. Somerset Feliz takes it seriously. They have all the protocols in place: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocols, and regular disinfecting of common areas. I felt completely safe and comfortable during my stay.
I was particularly impressed with the commitment to hygiene: staff wearing masks, hand sanitizer, and the whole shebang. It meant I could actually relax and not worry about something nasty. They even provided individually-wrapped food options, which made me feel even safer.
Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)
The list of services is extensive. From the concierge service (super helpful with recommendations and bookings) to the laundry service (essential for a messy traveller like me), Somerset Feliz has you covered. The doormen are always present, always greeting you with a smile. They even offer babysitting services, although I didn't need them (I travelled solo).
They also provide things like a cash withdrawal service, currency exchange, and even a little convenience store. The Wi-Fi was fast and reliable throughout the property (a must for staying connected).
The Little Annoyances (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. And, frankly, I'm being nitpicky here.
- The Washing Machine: While the apartment had a washing machine, there were no instructions. I'm not an idiot, but I do struggle with technology and my first wash cycle almost destroyed me. Luckily, a helpful member of staff came to my rescue, and rescued my clothes too.
- The Food Delivery Options: While the hotel does offer food delivery, I find that the choices were not very diverse. I missed familiar comforts from home.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back? Absolutely!
Somerset Feliz Ho Chi Minh City is more than just a luxury hotel; it’s an experience. It’s a place where you can relax, recharge, and feel truly pampered. The service is impeccable, the facilities are top-notch, and the location is ideal for exploring this amazing city. Minor imperfections aside, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It
Paris Saint-Germain: The Ultimate St-Germain-des-Prés Guide (Hidden Gems Revealed!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned trip to Ho Chi Minh City. This, my friends, is a messy, glorious, and probably slightly-less-than-perfect adventure. We're talking Somerset Feliz, and we're going FULL SEND.
Somerset Feliz: My Chaotic Love Letter to Saigon
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload - Embrace the Chaos!
- Morning (or what feels like it after a 20-hour flight): Landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport. OMFG. The heat! The humidity! It slaps you in the face like a wet dishrag. Immigration was thankfully painless. Now, finding the pre-booked Grab was a whole other story. Picture this: me, a sweaty, sleep-deprived Westerner, waving my phone like a deranged conductor trying to locate a tiny, green-and-yellow car amidst the organized chaos of Saigon traffic. Finally, success! Driver's here, and now to Somerset Feliz.
- Afternoon: Check-in. Somerset Feliz is ridiculously nice. The aircon is a godsend. Briefly considered never leaving the room. But, Saigon calls! First impression of the apartment? Spacious, cool, and thank god for the washing machine! Laundry is going to be my saving grace, I can already tell.
- Late Afternoon (aka, the "hangry" phase): Wandering aimlessly in the immediate vicinity of Somerset Feliz. Found a street-side "pho" place. Took a deep breath, channeled my inner Anthony Bourdain, and pointed at something yummy-looking. The pho? Heavenly. But the real win was the iced coffee, so strong it could raise the dead. Immediately felt a spark of… joy? Hope? Okay, maybe just caffeine.
- Evening: Attempted a "cultural experience" aka, "dodging scooters." Walking across the street is like playing a real-life video game. Crosswalks? More like suggestions. Eventually, I learned to embrace the chaos. Dinner at a recommended restaurant. Ordered too much, got overwhelmed by the menu, and burned my tongue on the spring rolls (my fault. Should have waited for them to cool down!)
Day 2: Temples, Tails & Total Tourist Trap (But I Loved It!)
- Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels tour. The tour itself was…okay. Bit crowded, a bit touristy. But damn, the tunnels are claustrophobic! Crawling through them gives you a whole new respect for those brave Vietnamese soldiers. Found myself unexpectedly overwhelmed by the history. Thought of my grandfather, a WWII vet, and got choked up. The world can be so complicated.
- Anecdote: Saw a guy, big dude from Texas, get stuck in one of the smaller tunnels. Poor guy was mortified! The tour guides were very patient (and probably used to it). I found it hilarious, but also felt a little sorry for him.
- Afternoon: Back in the city! Wandered around the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Majestic buildings, the architecture is incredible… but honestly, I was more interested in the street vendors selling coconut water. Sucking it down in the oppressive heat was pure bliss.
- Late Afternoon: Okay, full confession. Got totally suckered into a cyclo ride in District 1. Yes, it was a tourist trap. Yes, I probably overpaid. But! the wind in my hair, the vibrant colors flashing past, the sheer audacity of it all? It was magical for a bit. And the cyclo driver was a sweet, old man.
- Evening: Dinner at a rooftop bar recommended by a friend. The view was insane! And the cocktails weren’t half bad, either. Met some other travelers, swapped stories, and laughed until my stomach hurt. Made a new friend from Australia! Talked about the trip for an hour or so.
Day 3: Markets, Motorbikes & Mayhem (I think I'm adapting)
- Morning: Ben Thanh Market. Oh. My. God. The glorious chaos! The smells! The colors! The persistent vendors trying to sell you everything from knockoff designer handbags to questionable durian. I got a silk scarf (bargained down to a reasonable price, I think!). Also, I bought a bag of dried mangoes. They didn't last long.
- Afternoon: Decided to be brave and rent a motorbike. Yeah, I realize I'm an idiot. But, it’s the quintessential experience, right? Surprisingly, I didn't kill myself. More importantly, I didn’t kill anyone else. After a few terrifying initial minutes, I somehow managed to navigate the traffic. Saigon feels smaller, more accessible on two wheels.
- Quirky Observation: Saw a woman on a motorbike carrying a whole stack of live chickens. And a guy with a refrigerator strapped to the back of his bike! The resourcefulness is mind-boggling.
- Late Afternoon: Lost. Utterly, completely, gloriously lost. Ended up in a random neighborhood. Found a small, local eatery. Tried some local dishes. Had no idea what I was eating, but it was delicious. Ate a mango sticky rice.
- Evening: Karaoke. Yeah, I know. Touristy. But, the group of Vietnamese karaoke singers were amazing. It was a wild night; singing, drinking, falling in love with Saigon. I ended up singing a terrible rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" that probably violated some kind of sonic law. I didn’t care.
Day 4: Relaxation (sort of), Reflections & Realizations
- Morning: Spa day! Booked a massage to soothe my sore muscles. The experience was so relaxing I almost fell asleep during the massage. It was heavenly.
- Afternoon: Wandered around a local bookshop. I picked up a book in Vietnamese. Realized that I would never learn Vietnamese, and then went to a coffee shop.
- Late Afternoon: Back at Somerset Feliz. Packing. Starting to feel a little sad about leaving. Surprisingly, I love this city. It gets under your skin. The heat, the noise, the constant motion… it's exhausting, but also exhilarating. I feel more alive than I have in ages.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a restaurant with amazing views. Reflecting on the trip. This trip was an adventure. Saigon is intense, beautiful, and imperfect. I'll be back.
Day 5: Departure - Back to Reality?
- Morning: Woke up a little hungover but excited. Ate a final bowl of pho. Said goodbye to Somerset Feliz. It’s a good hotel, I can't deny it. Back to the airport.
- Afternoon: Flying home. Already missing the chaos.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost. I burned my tongue. I embarrassed myself on karaoke. I didn't see everything. But, I experienced something. I got a little lost in a way that was fun. Ho Chi Minh City has won my heart. Do it!
(P.S. Definitely bring sunscreen. And learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. And try to find a good tailor. And be prepared to fall in love.)
RedDoorz Minh Thu: Your Ho Chi Minh City Oasis Awaits!
Okay, seriously...is Somerset Feliz *actually* as fancy as it sounds? Like, beyond the brochure?
Alright, lemme level with you. "Luxury Redefined" is a bold claim, and honestly, yeah, Somerset Feliz *mostly* lives up to it. I mean, picture this: I arrive, jet-lagged to hell, sweating like a pig (because, Saigon, duh) and BAM! Cool towel, iced tea, smiles everywhere. It's a good start. The lobby? Gleaming. Real marble, the works. But here's the truth: I saw one tiny scuff mark on the elevator door. *One*. And it made me feel… validated? Like, okay, even luxury has its hiccups. The rooms? Spacious. Stupidly spacious. I could've hosted a small party in that living room. The kitchen? Fully loaded, which is amazing for a late-night ramen emergency. The views? Unreal. Especially at sunset. Like, Instagram-worthy enough to make your friends green with envy. BUT… and there's always a but, isn't there? One morning, the coffee machine sputtered and died. Completely betrayed me. Minor crisis! Luckily, the staff, bless their hearts, were on it like a shot. Within minutes I had a new, fully functional machine and a genuine apology that felt… genuine. So, yes, fancy, but also human. And honestly, that's what I appreciate the most.
Is the location actually good? I'm not trying to spend my whole vacation in a taxi.
Absolutely! Fantastic location! Seriously, it's in District 2, which is the *cool* district (at least, according to the expats and the trendy cafes). It's a bit outside of the super-touristy stuff, which I found refreshing. Less chaos, more… well, actual living. Okay, so walking everywhere isn’t *quite* an option. Saigon's traffic will eat you alive. But taxis and Grab (the local Uber) are cheap and plentiful. You're easily hitting the main attractions. I was able to explore the city in a few days and I found it so easy to use this base as an excellent base. Bonus: plenty of great restaurants and bars nearby. Seriously, some of the best pho I had was just a five-minute walk away. And that's saying something!
The pool...is it any good? Because a hotel pool can make or break my vacation vibe.
Listen, the pool is a game-changer. Let me paint a picture: shimmering turquoise water, loungers strategically placed for optimal sun-soaking, and a bar conveniently nearby for cocktails. Yes, *cocktails*! I spent a good chunk of my afternoons there. It was the perfect antidote to the Saigon heat. I even, embarrassingly, fell asleep on a pool lounger and woke up with a slight sunburn. Totally worth it. The only (tiny!) downside is it can get a *little* crowded at peak times. But honestly, even when it was busy, it still felt… serene? Maybe it was the cocktails. Maybe it was the excellent pool design. Either way, it was a definite highlight. Definitely a pool that would break a vacation if it wasn't there.
What about the food? Is the on-site dining any good, or should I just venture out?
Okay, this is where it gets a bit messy. The on-site restaurant, "Feliz Kitchen," is *fine*. It's convenient, especially for breakfast. The buffet had the usual suspects – eggs, pastries, fruit. Nothing to write home about, but it filled a hole, you know? I had dinner there one night, and it was… okay. Again, convenient. The service was impeccable, though. The staff is ridiculously attentive. But honestly, the Vietnamese food outside the hotel is SO much better! So much more authentic, vibrant, and cheap! My advice? Eat breakfast at the hotel, and then get out there and explore the street food. You will *not* regret it. Seriously, find a place serving Banh Mi. Your taste buds will thank you. Honestly, the food *outside* the hotel makes the hotel food seem… bland by comparison. But, hey, you can't win 'em all.
Are the staff helpful? This is important! I HATE bad service.
Oh. My. God. The staff. They're angels in disguise. Seriously. I've been to hotels where you feel like you're a burden. Not here. They're attentive, friendly, and genuinely seem to want to help. I had a complete and utter travel blunder. I left an important item (let's just say… my favorite noise-canceling headphones!) in a taxi. PANIC ensued. The staff went above and beyond to help me track it down. They called taxi companies, navigated the language barrier, and basically saved my sanity. I mean, I was on the verge of a travel meltdown. They found them! They honestly did, with genuine smiles and kindness. I probably owe them copious amounts of coffee, maybe even beer. They're the reason I didn't cry on the plane home. The service is truly top-notch. Five stars, easy.
What kind of "perks" do you get? Is there a gym, kids club, etc?
Okay, the perks… Yes, there's a gym. Small, but functional. I used it a couple of times (trying to counteract all that delicious food, naturally). It had the essentials – treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. There's also a kids' club, which I didn't use (solo traveler here!), but it looked decent. And a business center if you, you know, *have* to do work. The real perk, at least for me, was the whole vibe of the place. It just felt… relaxing. Calm. A welcome escape from the Saigon hustle. And that, more than any specific amenity, is what makes Somerset Feliz stand out. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with my little monsters...er, I mean, precious angels.
As mentioned, they *do* have the kids' club. I peeked in. Looked clean, well-equipped, and staffed. Always a plus. The apartments themselves are spacious. Plenty of room for the little ones to run around (and hopefully, you can get some peace!). The kitchen is a huge bonus. Breakfast in the room? Snack attacks handled? Yes, please! The pool? Kid-friendly, though you might want to keep a close eye on them. So, yeah, I think it's a pretty good bet for families. Especially if you need a break from the constant demands of small humans. Plus, you know, a clean room is a happy parent, right? And a happy parent is a… well, you get the idea. So, absolutely. Kid-friendly.
Would you recommend it? Honestly?
